About 100 compete in Polar Plunge on Oneida Lake

The temperature teetered in the mid-30s all day Saturday and the shores of Oneida Lake were already frozen over.

But the December weather didn't stop about 100 willing participants from taking part in a very unseasonal activity for a good cause.

A band of law enforcement officials, first responders, students and interested locals plunged into the icy lake waters to benefit Special Olympics New York, raising $23,000 for the organization.

"You've got to be brave and little bit nuts," said organizer Renee Snyder with a smile, who is in charge seven Polar Plunges in New York this year to raise money for the annual athletic competition for children and adults with disabilities. "But it's a lot of fun."

No one actually took the temperature of the lake water, but the reactions of the participants said it all. Those who traded their snow pants for swimshorts and heavy boots for water shoes were shivering within seconds.

Staff writer Alaina Potrikus will have full report on this story in Sunday's Post-Standard.